Venezuela takes control of toilet paper factory to avoid shortage

Caracas
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A chronic shortage of toilet paper in Venezuela has forced the government to control toilet paper factories, according to reports.

The Venezuelan government reportedly took the step to prevent further shortage of toilet paper. The government blames unscrupulous traders for hoarding the essential commodity and creating an artificial shortage.

The government has taken control over the Manpa plant in the northern state of Aragua, according to reports.

“The National Guard has taken control of the plant, and officers will monitor production and distribution.”

Earlier, due to acute toilet-paper scarcity, the government imported millions of toilet rolls. Reportedly, an estimated 39 million imported toilet paper rolls entered Venezuela to relieve a chronic shortage.

Venezuela is also facing a short supply of food, including toothpaste and soap, according to another BBC report.

President Nicolas Maduro created a special committee to deal with the scarcity. The oil-rich nation relies heavily on imports. However, currency controls imposed by the newly-formed government have increased inflation and restricted its ability to pay for foreign goods.

Maduro holds the opposition and rich sections of the society responsible for Venezuela’s periodic shortages of basic goods.